The Apple Car will be far from autonomous and delayed

Unable to have autonomous driving capabilities, the future Apple Car is moving back towards a more traditional design, and would not be released before 2026.

In the automotive world, if there is a perennial rumor, it is about Apple’s car. Rumored for over 10 years, with no official communication, it regularly reappears in the press. In 2021, the Apple Car seemed more imminent than ever, with a possible partnership with Kia. However, there has been no news since that plan fell through. Worse, expectations have been significantly revised downward according to Bloomberg News.

From Dream to Reality

This is more than just a step back, as the Apple Car would not even match the Waymo car. It would ultimately only have semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways, that is Level 3, similar to a Mercedes EQS. As a result, what was supposed to be an autonomous shuttle turns into a traditional car with current technology. In the spirit of the future Sony Honda car, with a focus on electronics and entertainment?

No Apple Car Before 2026

A complete turnaround requiring a total rethink of the project, which is taking time. According to anonymous sources, the Apple Car would not be released before 2026. Project director Kevin Lynch still envisioned a 100% autonomous Apple Car (Level 5) by 2025, according to Bloomberg.

The individual responsible for the Apple Watch software and health services has also lowered his ambitions, now only aiming to “bring the product to market”. To do so, the American giant might rely on Foxconn, the Chinese manufacturer already producing the iPhone, which has ambitions in electric vehicles.

Despite lowered expectations, the price of the Apple Car is expected to remain very elitist, under 100,000 euros.

Read also: Foxconn, Apple’s partner, aims to shake up the automotive market